Gill's first call-up strengthens Ireland U21s alongside McDonnell

In the quiet of the training complex at the City Ground, a young midfielder laced his boots while a Celtic keeper adjusted his gloves, both unaware that their names would soon appear on the Republic of Ireland Under‑21s sheet for the first time.

First call‑ups for McDonnell and Gill

Nottingham Forest midfielder Grady McDonnell and Celtic goalkeeper Marcus Gill have been named in the Republic of Ireland Under‑21s squad for the first time. Their inclusion comes as Jim Crawford prepares for the European Championship qualifiers against Slovakia, Kazakhstan and England. Both players join a group that blends domestic talent with overseas experience.

McDonnell earned recognition as a key part of the Ireland Under‑17s side that reached the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup in November last year. His performances at that tournament highlighted his composure on the ball and defensive acumen, earning him a reputation as a promising prospect for the senior set‑up.

Gill, born in Scotland, has already represented Ireland up to the Under‑19 level. He recently secured a loan move to Scottish League One club East Kilbride, where he has been gaining valuable first‑team minutes ahead of his Under‑21 debut.

Also selected are Shamrock Rovers forward Adam Brennan and Newcastle United forward Rory Finneran. Both players received senior caps from Heimir Hallgrimsson during summer friendlies against Grenada and Canada, adding international experience to Crawford’s youthful roster.

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Domestic league form is rewarded with the inclusion of SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division top scorer Tommy Lonergan, who has excelled for Waterford. Highly rated Jacob Devaney, currently on loan at Hibernian from Manchester United, joins the midfield, while former Wexford keeper Owen Mason, now with Bromley, returns to the Under‑21 fold.

Upcoming qualifiers and squad depth

Crawford’s side travel to the Kosice Futbalová Arena in Slovakia on Friday, 25 September, before returning to Cork’s Turner's Cross Stadium for a double‑header. They will meet Kazakhstan on Tuesday, 29 September, and England a week later on 6 October.

The squad list features goalkeepers Noah Jauny of Royal Francs Borains, Marcus Gill of Celtic and Owen Mason of Bromley. Defenders such as Sam Curtis, Seán Grehan and Alex Murphy provide a blend of loaned talent and home‑grown prospects, while midfield options include Romeo Akachukwu, Jacob Devaney and McDonnell himself.

With a mix of players already tasting senior international action and others eager to make their mark, the Ireland Under‑21s aim to build a cohesive unit capable of competing in the European Championship qualifiers. The fresh call‑ups of McDonnell and Gill underline the federation’s commitment to nurturing talent across both the English and Scottish leagues.